Colts decision on Manning should never have been in doubt

Peyton Manning is about to become a free agent. Wouldn't it be nice if he signed with the Redskins, so Baltimore fans can continue to dislike him on geographic grounds.

Peyton Manning is about to become a free agent. Wouldn't it be nice if he signed with the Redskins, so Baltimore fans can continue to dislike him on geographic grounds. (Getty Images)

Did anyone seriously believe, at any time, that the Indianapolis Colts were going to write Peyton Manning a check for $28 million and hope he might be able to play next season?

Manning is one of the greatest players ever to lace up a pair of cleats. Nobody disputes that. But the notion that they would risk a bonus that size -- which would make a huge dent in their cap room for four years -- defies reason. The only question was whether they could make a seriously reduced restructure attractive enough to keep Manning around with Andrew Luck looking over his shoulder.

Of course, I'm hoping that Dan Snyder doesn't listen to Joe Theisman. Manning would look great in a Redskins uniform, and it would be great to be close enough to go see him play if he's able to make a healthy comeback. He wouldn't be a long-term solution for the 'Skins, but he would put them back on the map.

Added bonus: If Manning showed up in burgundy and gold, Baltimore football fans could continue to dislike him on a geographic basis.